Bailey expects to make way for Clarke

Stand-in Australia captain George Bailey conceded he is likely to lose his spot in the team when Michael Clarke returns from injury.

Clarke has been ruled out of Saturday's Cricket World Cup clash against England, despite appearing to be nearing full fitness as he returns from a hamstring injury.

It means Bailey retains his spot in Australia's line-up but his place is under threat for the Pool A clash against Bangladesh on February 21.

Bailey was asked if he was feeling under any added pressure due to Clarke's return, and he conceded he was likely to lose his spot.

"I think it's a pretty basic equation there, so what will be, will be," he told a media conference on Friday.

Asked what he needed to do to keep his place, Bailey said: "I don't think I probably will but that's fine.

"I think it's great that he [Clarke] is on track, certainly from the initial time of his injury, I think he's done a remarkable job to get back on time, even to have murmurs of him playing in this game.

"To be available for that next game as was always the plan, I think he's done a great job."

Bailey talked up the need for Australia to be relying on their entire squad, not just 11, at the tournament.

He seemingly accepted his role was more as a back-up.

"I think all along we've talked about a squad mentality and I imagine all the other teams will be feeling the same way," Bailey said.

"If you're relying on 11 blokes to win the tournament, I think you'll fall well short.

"We're very, very comfortable with the group we've got, where we're at and the roles that everyone plans within the team. That's a really important thing, to have that clarity around what your role is."